Bhubaneswar, August 4: The Odisha Police administration has warned of stern action against officials resorting to power theft and charging their personal electric vehicles in the office premises, including police stations.

In a letter to all the Heads of Police Districts, Ranges, Establishments, Battalions, Additional DG (Law and Order) on Monday said that being a disciplined organisation, the Police Department is expected to maintain strict adherence to all legal and administrative provisions.

“It has been observed that in several office premises, electricity supply has been extended from the main office building to residential quarters/barracks. Such unauthorized connections are illegal and in violation of the applicable rules and regulations,” the ADG said.

The ADG emphasised that such irregular practices are not permissible in a disciplined.

“It has also been noticed that personnel owning electric vehicles (EVs) are charging their vehicles using electricity from office premises, resulting in a substantial increase in electricity consumption and imposing an avoidable financial burden on the Government. Further, in several instances, residential quarters/barracks located adjacent to office buildings are drawing electricity from office power supply to avoid payment of their own electricity charges. This practice is unauthorized and strictly prohibited,” the top cop noted.

“It has also been observed, particularly in police barracks, that some personnel are using electric heaters for cooking purposes, leading to excessive electricity consumption and posing serious safety hazards. Such use is not permitted,” the ADG stated.

The AGG requested all the heads of the police establishments to conduct a thorough inspection in their respective office premises.

“In view of the above, all Heads of Police establishments of Odisha are requested to conduct a thorough inspection of their respective office premises and ensure that no unauthorized electricity connection exists between office buildings and residential quarters/barracks. They shall also instruct all police personnel under their jurisdiction to immediately discontinue the above-mentioned practices,” the top cop added.

“Any unauthorized electricity connection or misuse of office electricity shall be disconnected forthwith, and responsibility shall be fixed on the concerned individuals. Any violation noticed in future will invite appropriate disciplinary action under the relevant rules,” the top cop warned.